DIY: Crafty Photography Set Up

I've had a few readers and ask about how I take my photos for the blog and I thought it would be fun to do a behind the scenes post. I'm pretty new to photography and am still learning as I go, but here's a peak into my current set up for crafty photos.

The diagram above pretty much shows how simple my set up is, but break it down:

2. I use a window as a natural light source. This room faces west, so early afternoon when light is flooding through the window is best for photos. I avoid taking photos in the late afternoon when harsh, direct sunlight is coming through the window, because I don't like the sharp shadows it creates. You can experiment with taking photos near a window in your home at different times during the day to see what time of day works best for you.

3. I bought some foam board at the craft store that I use as a backdrop. The ones I bought have a shiny side and a matte side. I like using the matte side facing up so that there is no reflection in the photo. I just lay one board on the table and the other one I prop up at the back of the table as a backdrop.

4. I use a small, short table (this one is from Ikea and super affordable). I like using a short table so that I can stand above it and take bird's eye view photos. I can also kneel in front of the table to take pictures at eye level. Here's a better look at the full set up with the table...

And, finally, here is the shot I got with this set up...

Pretty simple, huh?! I'm a firm believer that photography doesn't have to be overly complicated. Natural light and a clean background is sometimes all you need for a good crisp photo. Of course, you can always experiment and grow from there.

So, how do you guys set up for your photographs? Do you have any photography tips to share?

(Thanks to Caleisha and Mackenzie for asking about my photography set up. Also, stay tuned, because I'm working on some more photography tip posts to help give you some more ideas on how to spice up your photos!)

43 comments:

Oh I like the furry photo assistant! I take photos of things that are happening more than objects, so I'm always battling with the light! (I can't ask the wallabies or chickens to hold that pose for another hour when the light is better ;-) )

I still haven't found the right spot in our house though to photograph my knitting projects and things :-)

I can just imagine how hard it can be to take pics of farm critters! Also, I think finding the perfect spot to take photos is the hardest part, but once you find that spot it is great because you know you'll be able to recreate great photos there time after time. Good luck finding your own spot. :)

I am working on setting up a photo set up like this in my craft room. There is decent window light in there to make the pictures come out lovely! :):) Thanks for the reminder to get on this project!! Plus I really like your idea of using a low table!

Great post! I do the same thing! I use foam board and white poster board near a window. Setting the foam boards up around your objects works great to bounce light and reduce shadows. When I need a little help with the light I have a couple Ottlite lights for some non-yellow light. (Wow, could I add a few more "lights" to that sentence haha!)Kate :}

I've been meaning to look up lights to use for photography. It would be great to be able to take photos when it wasn't bright out. So many times I want to start a project, but it's already dark out and I can't take any photos... boo! Thanks for the tip on the Ottlite. :)

Erica, after reading your comment I thought I'd share my tutorial on indoor lighting without natural light(my tutorial). I was getting frustrated for a while because there were many times when it was dark and I couldn't use natural light, so I had to resolve that! :) So far it's working out for me, when I can't make use of that lovely natural light!

This is such a great and helpful post - why have I not thought of getting simple white foam boards earlier? I've been struggling to get good shots in my flat, as there is always something below/behind the object I'm photographing, which creates unflattering shadows. And I also own this little Ikea table, which from now on I will definitely start using when photographing. Thank you SO MUCH for your tips!

Great set up! I actually have that same exact table from Ikea (with the matching coffee table) and I use the coffee table for shots for my blog all the time. I like positioning my table by the window and shooting so my backyard is in the background sometimes - it makes the photos look like they were taken outdoors and gives great blurred color in the background. Thanks for sharing your secrets!! :)

I need to learn more about photography and I keep thinking I need a more "expensive" camera,. Here's the problem I have most often when taking photo's of crocheted things: The yarn is reflective, so when using flash it just appears as an "orb" in the photo. Without flash, my camera fuzzies the pic because of movement. Is there a solution to this that you know of, aside from using a tripod?

Hi Erin! As you've noticed, camera flashes really tend to create weird shadows and reflections in photos. Instead of using a flash, try to find a place in your home with lots of natural light. You may even need to move a table near a window like I did to take advantage of the natural light. If you don't want to stabilize with a tripod, there are other ways to stabilize the camera. For instance, prop you elbows on the table to take the photo. That can help keep your arms still as you take the photo and reduce some of those pesky 'fuzzies' in the photo. You could also look into some artificial lights. I'm no expert at this yet, but a few readers above have made recommendations in the comments. Kate suggested the Ottlite and Aubrey linked to her blog post on LED lights. Hope that helps! :)

Hey, thanks for letting me know about this post... I can't believe I missed it!! Awesome advice. I definitely need to get some foam board. I've seen people use white sheets before but I have no idea how they keep them wrinkle-free, haha. This is a better solution. Now I just need to figure out a good place to set up... I live in a tiny apartment with other buildings surrounding the windows so the light isn't the best!!

If/when I get some good shots, I'll let you know :) Thanks for the advice!!!

I like to use a piece of poster board. I prop it up so it serves as both the "floor" and the backdrop. That way there are no seams. I also like to use foam board and sometimes I wrap it in bulletin board paper for a different look. I do all of this in my backyard (when I can) for the best natural light.